Sherwin Williams Caviar SW 6990

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Sherwin Williams Caviar is a deep, dark black paint color. It’s refined elegance

WHAT COLOR IS SHERWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR?

Sherwin Williams Caviar is a full-bodied, rich black paint color.

It’s categorized on the Sherwin-Williams website as a neutral paint color, and they accurately describe the color as:

This dark rich black introduces a refined air to a well-lit room. Make a bold choice with this cool neutral on an accent wall or in a study.

Sherwin Williams

Now, let’s talk about real-world experience with SW Caviar.

I’ve seen this color in action a few times, and it is indeed a black paint color. Its inherent softness makes Caviar a bit different from some other black paint colors. When it’s applied on a wall, it doesn’t seem overly harsh.

TRY A SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK PAINT SAMPLE OF CAVIAR

WHAT’S THE LRV OF SHERWIN WILLAIMS CAVIAR?

Caviar has an LRV of 3.

Okay, before I go any further, let me explain what LRV is and why it is useful when choosing a paint color.

LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement commonly used by design professionals that measures the amount of light reflected from and absorbed by a surface. LRVs range from 0 to 100, with 100 being pure white and 0 being absolute black.

I found a great article that provides more in-depth information about LRV: Light Reflectance Value: What Do Those Numbers Mean.

With a lower LRV of 3, Caviar will not reflect light and will not brighten up a smaller, darker space. But that doesn’t mean it will make a room with adequate lighting feel dark or closed in. The lighting and other elements in a room will largely impact how a paint color will feel in a room.

WHAT UNDERTONES DOES CAVIAR HAVE?

I don’t think Caviar has any true “undertones” or visible colors. I have seen it look a bit softer and slightly warm. That is my subjective opinion, though.

Undertones are always an interesting topic with paint colors. The thing is that undertones are subjective. Not everyone sees the same thing in a paint color. For example, I have heard from designers that they have seen Sherwin Williams Caviar have undertones of dark espresso brown.

Another very important talking point regarding “undertones” or colors you can see a paint color show is the elements contributing to them looking that way.

Lighting, decor, fixed elements, and even what is happening outside your windows hugely impact a paint color.

That being said, I’d love to give you a definitive answer on Caviar’s undertones, but I can’t. I can only give you my experiences with the color. If you want to be 100% certain of Caviar’s appearance in your home, you need to sample it. This is truly the best way to choose a paint color.

IS SHEWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR A WARM OR COOL PAINT COLOR?

Sherwin Williams Caviar is a warm black paint color.

It comes from the red/purple hue family, so know that you can expect SW Caviar not to be as true of a black paint color.

As I mentioned before, I view it to have a bit more of a subtle softness, and I think the warmth of that color contributes to that. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a black paint color. It will look black.

Explore More Warm-Toned Paint Colors:

• Edgecomb Gray – Bemjamin Moore
• SW Kilim Beige
• Benjamin Moore Collingwood
• Sherwin Williams City Loft
• SW Shoji White
• BM Swiss Coffee

HOW DOES LIGHT AFFECT SHERWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR?

Lighting affects all paint colors, even dark ones like Caviar. Will it have as much of an impact? No, but do not write it off.

It’s also important to know how the light looks from the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West.

As you can see in the chart, the temperature of the light relates to its color. For example, a room facing north will experience cool, bluish light. Northen light will bring out the cooler tones in paint colors.

Again, with SW Caviar, it’s not as impactful as it would be with a lighter paint color like Agreeable Gray.

WILL THE LIGHT BULB’S COLOR AFFECT HOW CAVIAR LOOKS ON THE WALLS?

Yes, the light bulbs you use in the light fixtures and lamps will 100 percent affect how SW Caviar looks on the walls.

Are the color of your light bulbs going to change to a darker paint color like Caviar drastically? No, but they definitely have an impact, especially on lighter paint colors.

Unfortunately, this is an important detail that is often overlooked.

With the variety of light bulbs available, it can become overwhelmingly confusing. I mean, what is really soft white and bright white?

Thankfully, it becomes easier once you know a little bit about light bulbs.

For reference, light color or light appearance is measured on the Kelvin (K)temperature scale. Lower Kelvin numbers mean more yellow light; the higher the Kelvin number, the whiter or bluer light.

Remember, lower Kelvin (K) numbers = yellow light, Higher Kelvin (K) numbers = white/blueish light

I always recommend using this type of light bulb.

Be cautious of the light bulb names such as “daylight” or warm light.” I’d advise against picking a light bulb by its name.

Instead, always check the package for actual facts. This allows you to choose the best bulb for you.

Don’t forget that as much as lighting plays a major part in how a paint color will look at times. Other determinants to be aware of include decor, furniture, fixtures, cabinetry, and floors. These elements can affect and/or influence how a paint color will look in your room.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SAMPLE A PAINT COLOR LIKE CAVIAR?

The best way to sample Sherwin Williams Caviar is with Samplize Peel & Stick Paint Samples.

Not sampling paint colors is one of the biggest painting mistakes you can make! If you skip it, you risk a paint color failing to look how you hoped it would. This is not only disappointing but costly!

WHAT IS THE BENJAMIN MOORE EQUIVALENT TO SHERWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR?

According to scientific data, one color came fairly close to the specs of SW Caviar

These two colors look very similar, although Black Beauty may have a tad more warmth.

CAN I COLOR-MATCH CAVIAR USING A DIFFERENT PAINT MANUFACTURER?

For the most part, I don’t like to color match. This is because brands have their own ways of formulating the paint colors. There is no guarantee that a paint color will be matched accurately.

If you still want to proceed with color matching, I highly recommend getting a sample of the color beforehand. This way, you can make sure the color is what you intended it to be.

WHERE CAN YOU USE SHERWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR?

Where should you use Caviar? The possibilities are endless! Use it on the walls, fireplace, kitchen cabinets, and furniture. I’m serious. Use it anywhere.

Dark, moody black paint colors seem to be prevalent these days. I have been observing them everywhere and love every bit of them. Bold black paint colors like Caviar are much more versatile than you might think. They are, in a way, similar to the little black dress, as they go well with everything!

I know it’s easy for me to say you can use it anywhere, but sometimes it can be hard to envision. So, for that reason, I have a few real-life examples of how Caviar looks in real people’s homes.

HANDRAILS/STAIRS

IS SW CAVIAR A GOOD EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?

Yes, Sherwin WIlliams Caviar will work on a home’s exterior, not only as a base color but also for shutters, doors, trim, etc.

Whether you have thought about painting the exterior of your home black or not, it is more common than you think, and it can make a very strong visual statement.

Caviar SW 6990 on the exterior will add tremendous drama and depth to your home and give it a modern feel.

Not a fan of a whole black exterior? Consider using it as a front door color or highlighting any architectural designs of your home.

Before you use black on the exterior, you need to know that it will fade faster than a lighter paint color. Darker colors always fade more in the sun. Also, if you are in a warmer, sunny climate, I don’t think Caviar is the paint color for you. The color will absorb the heat.

EXPLORE MORE EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS:

• Paint Colors that go with Brick
• The Best Sherwin Williams Exterior Colors
• Amazing BM Exterior Colors
• Fabulous Blue Exterior Paint Colors
• Front Door Paint Colors that make a Statement

WHAT IS A GOOD TRIM COLOR TO GO WITH SHERWIN WILLIAMS CAVIAR?

SW Caviar looks great with white trim. Great white paint colors to try are SW Pure White, SW Snowbound, and BM Chantilly Lace.

But it also looks great with colors other than white.

CAVIAR COLOR PALETTE

Sherwin Williams Caviar SW 6990 goes well with the following paint colors:

This is one of those super adaptable colors that will work with any color you pair it with. It really is such a joy to work with.

I like to give you sample color palettes because it can give you insight into what colors will work, and it’s great to inspire you to find colors you like and enjoy.

RECAP

1. LRV: 3
2. Hue Family – Red-purple
3. Color Collections: Colormix Forecast 2020 (Play), Pottery Barn Kids (Fall/Winter), Pottery Barn Kids Collection 2024, Pottery Barn Teen Collection 2024
4. It’s a warm-toned paint color.
5. Benjamin Moore Black Beauty is a comparable paint color.
6. It looks great with all colors.
7. It can be used just about anywhere.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Moody, dark, dramatic, bold, full-bodied, classic, and timeless are all terms that can describe this black paint color.

Many people may find the idea of using a black paint like Caviar quite intimidating. They might think that black shades appear dark and unwelcoming. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When properly used, black paint colors can create an inviting and spacious atmosphere, not to mention a sophisticated one.

Black is a color that meshes well with any decor style, no matter what it is. It’s a classic color that will stand the test of time. And Sherwin Williams Caviar SW 6990 fits the bill.

TRY A SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK PAINT SAMPLE OF CAVIAR